ROBERT WHITTLE FROM KYLE OF LOCHALSH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY DISCOVERY

In a case that has shocked the community of Kyle of Lochalsh, Robert Whittle, a 33-year-old computer website designer, was found to have downloaded an alarming number of indecent images of children, nearly 18,000 in total. Despite the severity of his actions, Whittle was spared imprisonment and received a sentence of probation coupled with community service.

The incident came to light during a police raid at his residence in Kyle of Lochalsh approximately two years ago. Authorities uncovered that Whittle had been actively downloading and collecting these disturbing images over a period of nearly five years. Specifically, he admitted to the police that he had downloaded 17,996 indecent pictures of children, along with 16 movies featuring minors, some dating back to the year 2000.

The police also discovered that on October 11, 2004, Whittle possessed over 12,000 photographs of children. During his interview with officers, he did not deny the allegations but instead expressed a sense of familiarity with the extent of his collection. Fiscal Stella Swan, representing the prosecution at Inverness Sheriff Court, detailed that approximately half of the images depicted pre-pubescent children, while the remaining half involved pubescent minors under the age of 16. Swan noted that Whittle was candid during questioning, stating, “He was not surprised there were such a large number of images and he admitted responsibility for them.”

Whittle’s defense lawyer, Murray McAra, provided insight into his client’s personal circumstances. He revealed that Whittle’s wife of eight years was unaware of his involvement in child pornography until his arrest. McAra also highlighted the social repercussions faced by the couple following the case’s publicity, noting that they had become targets of hostility within their local community.

McAra explained that Whittle, a web designer, spent significant time on his computer, which facilitated his access to the internet. He added that due to a recent downsizing of Whittle’s business, his internet usage had been reduced. The lawyer also shared that Whittle came from a troubled background, having been adopted after being born into a broken family. Over time, Whittle recognized that he had a serious problem but struggled to find appropriate help, comparing his situation to that of alcoholics or drug addicts who have support organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous.

In sentencing, Sheriff Alexander Pollock ordered Whittle to be placed on probation for the maximum term of three years. Additionally, he was mandated to complete 225 hours of community service and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for three years. The case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and communities in addressing the complex issues surrounding child exploitation and the importance of appropriate legal responses.